Abstract
Like most organizations, local governments face challenges managing technology, the critical resource to meet evolving public service expectations. But benefits associated with adapting the latest technology come with risks, some more apparent than others. This report details the problems facing municipal officials as they try to maximize the benefits of technology for their communities and constituents in the face of cybersecurity, legal, operational, financial, reputational and societal risks. The report concludes that top municipal officials must create and maintain an environment of “technological proficiency.” That includes creating a process for making technology decisions, developing an annually reviewed technology plan that is tied to the budget, instituting a “cyber hygiene” training program for all employees in proper computer security practices, and making sure that agency technology is competently managed. The report is supplemented by a "Best Practices and Resources Guide" that organizations can use to achieve technology proficiency. It provides best practices based on an organization's technology profile.